Caramel and chocolate cake with coffee

Caramel and Chocolate Coffee Cake

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 60-70 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Discovering this caramel and chocolate coffee cake is like a journey into the world of intense flavors, a true delight for lovers of sophisticated sweets. A perfect combination of chocolate, caramel, and a subtle hint of coffee, this recipe is easy to make and is sure to impress any guest.

The history of this dessert has its roots in the tradition of cake baking, where simple ingredients transform into culinary masterpieces. Caramel, with its velvety texture, and chocolate, with its deep flavor, have come together over time to create irresistible indulgent moments.

Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Ingredients

- 100 g butter, at room temperature (for optimal texture)
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 20 g bourbon vanilla sugar (for a more complex flavor)
- 3 eggs, separated (note: the eggs must be fresh)
- 150 ml milk (preferably whole for creaminess)
- 2 packets of 55 g caramel cream powder
- 1 packet of 55 g vanilla cream powder
- 25 g vanilla cappuccino powder (an excellent choice to enhance the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 100 g coffee chocolate chips (for an extra burst of flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the oven and the pan
Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C. It is essential that the temperature is adequate for even baking. Meanwhile, grease a cake pan (preferably 20 cm in diameter) with butter and dust it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Beating the egg whites
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial to ensure a fluffy texture for the cake. A good technique is to turn the bowl upside down; if the egg whites don’t move, they’re ready!

3. Mixing the dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the caramel cream powder, vanilla cream powder, and vanilla cappuccino powder. Also add the baking powder, mixing well to combine the ingredients. This combination will add a rich flavor to your cake.

4. Preparing the wet mixture
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and bourbon vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This may take a few minutes, but patience will yield better results. Then add the egg yolks, one at a time, continuing to mix.

5. Incorporating the ingredients
Gradually incorporate the milk into the butter mixture, followed by the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed, just until no traces of flour remain. Finally, add the coffee chocolate chips and mix gently.

6. Incorporating the egg whites
Add the beaten egg whites into the mixture above. Start by folding in one-third of the egg whites, mixing vigorously to loosen the mixture, then add the remaining egg whites and fold gently from top to bottom to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

7. Baking the cake
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It’s important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes, as this can cause the cake to collapse.

8. Cooling and serving
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to prevent moisture.

Serving and Variations

This cake can be served plain, but a caramel glaze or chocolate sauce would add a decadent touch. You can also sprinkle it with toasted nuts or almonds for a crunchy contrast. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside would create an unforgettable culinary experience.

For a less sweet option, you can reduce the amount of sugar or replace part of the white sugar with natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup. Replacing the chocolate chips with dark chocolate can add a deeper flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of coffee should I use?
Any type of instant coffee is suitable, but choose a quality blend for a better taste.

Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour, but be careful as the texture of the cake will change.

How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake contains energy-rich ingredients, such as butter and eggs, which provide proteins and healthy fats. The coffee chocolate brings antioxidants, while the caramel adds a quick energy boost. However, consumed in moderation, this dessert can be part of a balanced diet.

For those who want to pair this dessert with a drink, a cup of espresso or a cappuccino will perfectly complement the flavors of the cake.

Remember, cooking is an art! Each recipe is an opportunity to transform simple ingredients into moments of joy. So embrace this caramel and chocolate coffee cake recipe and enjoy every bite!